Men's LifeStyle Blog

Budget weddings: Simple hacks to help you get there

When you talk about big purchases in your life, we were originally programmed to think about houses, cars and so on.

Then, weddings came into the picture.

The sums for these occasions can vary substantially, but it’s not uncommon to splash out five figures (which actually happens to be a house deposit).

There are umpteen reasons for this, but the emotional attachment of the big day is usually the primary one. However, if you think shrewdly, you can do things on a budget - and still not lose the wow-factor.

Today is just about taking a look at some of the ways you can do this, to hopefully cut your expenses somewhat.

Be wary of evening food

Sure, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with serving a wedding breakfast and if you don’t, there will probably be a few raised eyebrows.

In terms of a meal later in the evening, this is something that you certainly aren’t under obligation to provide though. Sure, trends might be going that way, but it’s an unnecessary strain on your budget when most guests have just eaten. Instead, get creative with a DIY buffet. Provide savory snacks, chocolate candy and other small items that people can nibble onto (and ultimately, not gobble into your budget).

Don’t pick a weekend

This is a contentious move, but it is almost guaranteed to save money. In fact, in some cases, it could shave thousands from your final bill.

Wedding venues know that the premium days are Fridays and Saturdays. It’s for this reason that they place a hugely inflated price tag on both.

Instead, consider a midweek wedding. Guest numbers might be smaller but on the flip side, this will save you even more money!

Adopt a DIY approach

In some ways, the wedding industry is one of the greediest around. From one perspective, this is just one big party, yet you need to pay for invitations, place cards, confetti and all of the other little extras that quickly add up.

Or, you could just make all of the above. Granted, there will be occasions where it’s not an efficient use of your time, but there are some excellent guides for DIY weddings out there that we would urge you to look at.

Weigh up the drinking options

Another key area for expense is alcohol. One word that will blight couples who are tying the knot is corkage. Put simply, not only do some venues insist you buy your alcohol, they will also charge you for serving it. Quite often, this fee is MORE than the bottle itself.

Ultimately, you need to do the math. Is it cheaper to buy your own bottles and pay the corkage, or use their bar service and pay the higher drinks prices? It will vary in each case.

5 Tips For Creating a Winning Dating Site Profile

Creating a profile on a dating site can be a scary task if you’re not sure where to begin. Saying the wrong thing could lead to coming off either too forward or too desperate. Not to mention that there are thousands of other profiles, so how on earth can you make yours stand out?

It’s enough to make you feel like you don’t want to bother at all! However, if you’re on the lookout for love, the internet is the best place to be Statistics show that one out of every three couples now finds love on dating sites.

If you’re ready to give the world of internet dating a try, then take a look at some of the best tips for making the most of the experience and maybe even finding someone special.

Big Yourself Up (But Not Too Much)

Most people have heard that sounding too full of yourself isn’t’ appealing.  However, looking overly humble can be a turn-off! It’s okay to give yourself a little credit for what you’re good at. Make sure to mention a few things that you enjoy doing on your profile.

Whether you love playing the piano or are an avid fan of snowboarding, don’t be afraid to mention it! There’s a difference between saying you enjoy something and saying you’re the best at it. Letting people know you’re multifaceted is a plus!

Use Current Photos

Using photos that were taken more than a year ago can be considered dishonest. One of the first things that people are attracted to about your profile is the way that you look in your photos. Don’t post pictures that don’t look like you; otherwise, you won’t only set them up for disappointment but yourself too!

Be Fun

People are naturally attracted to people that seem like they’re a lot of fun to be around. If your profile seems dark or a little negative, you won’t get as many responses.  

Try to have a sense of humor and be lighthearted! 

Ask Your Friends To Look

It may seem like the most embarrassing thought in the world having a friend read your dating profile, but it can be a huge help. They may be able to tell you whether they think that your profile isn’t an accurate representation of who you truly are.

They can also give you feedback about your photos and whether they think it’s the best choice for showcasing what you really look like.

Take A Look At The Competition

One of the most useful tools that you have for what to do with your own profile is to take a look at what other users are doing. Reading other people’s pages can give you ideas and inspiration for what to include in your own about me section.

What are the little investments that can make your car last longer?

Often, we tend to ignore that little chip or crack on our windscreen, after all it’s not blocking your vision right? However, this tiny little crack can spread like wildfire going over even the smallest of bumps and weakening the structural integrity and safety of your car. It could be just a simple repair or a windscreen replacement, which can be done in an hour by an expert.

Like any investment or asset we purchase, we’d hope for them to last as long as possible, especially if it’s a new home or car.

And for the first month or so, we’d do anything to keep them in good condition and looking brand new.

For some, this could be getting a new phone — screen protector, phone case, phone insurance, even to go as far as cleaning it once a day with antibacterial wipes. (the missus is all over this)

For others, it could be religiously washing their car every weekend to maintain its shiny good looks.

But as our lives get busier and our passion starts to dwindle, who can be bothered cleaning their car every weekend? 

Not to mention the time taken organising a lift to drop your car off to the mechanic and then having to pick it up.

Now look, we aren’t here to shame you for neglecting your car. In fact, we are going to reveal a couple of little investments that will improve efficiency, increase its lifespan, and reignite that new car feeling. 

Here are the best ways to make your car last longer.

Under the bonnet

Spark plugs

Depending on how you drive and how often the spark plugs are maintained, spark plugs usually last up to 45,000km, however this is usually all taken care of if you have your car regularly maintained by a mechanic.

Signs to change spark plugs:

Trouble starting the car in the morning

High fuel consumption

Lack of power

Engine is misfiring

Rough idling

It’s a fairly simple job you can do by yourself to increase your engine’s performance, efficiency, and can save you in the long run. But we recommend checking your owner’s manual before attempting to change them. 

Top up engine fluids

Make sure to keep all engine fluids topped up and clean. This includes refilling the windscreen wash, checking the oil dipstick and topping up accordingly, and ensuring the coolant is clean and the right colour. While not all fluids are as easy to top up or change, such as the transmission fluid or brake fluid, your mechanic usually covers this with regular servicing.

Replace filters

Filters are used to keep the inside of your car clean. Oil, air and fuel filters each have their own separate filter, which will need replacing at varying periods. Changing these filters every 12 months can improve on fuel efficiency and engine performance.

Keep your battery clean

Leaving your car for a longer period of time, such as going on a much needed holiday, degrades the battery and causes it to go flat. Jump starting the car only puts additional stress on the battery and may damage the engine and other delicate electronics. Consider getting a family member or mate to start your car and leave it running for a few minutes 2-3 days a week. Or use a trickle charge to keep the battery topped-up.

On the outside

Give your car a good wash

This is a no-brainer. Brake dust, dirt, grime, and not to mention bird droppings not only makes your car look like it’s survived an apocalypse, it will eventually cause corrosion to the paint and bodywork if left unchecked. Giving your car a good wash helps keep it looking better for longer.

Check your tyres

Tyres help keep your car safely planted to the road. Driving around with low tyre pressure not only adds to unnecessary risk, it can also significantly hurt your fuel economy. Check the owner’s manual or drivers side door for the correct psi/kPa.

Avoid cheap parts

You wouldn’t build the foundation of your home on cheap materials, the same could be said for your vehicle. Cheap 4WD parts weakens the integrity of your car and effectively reduces its lifespan. 

However, that doesn’t mean you have to go out and spend a small fortune on spare parts. Second-hand parts are just as effective and are generally cheaper than new OEM parts, just make sure you purchase from a reputable used 4WD parts supplier.

Get your car regularly serviced

Of course, the easiest way to prolong the life of your car is to get it regularly serviced. As a car enthusiast, I have my car serviced every 3 to 6 months, but for the most, having your car serviced every 6-12 months is enough to keep it running more efficiently for longer.

Is your windscreen damaged?

Why is Garage Door Repair Important in 2020?

In 2020, there are still homeowners who overlook the importance of getting their garage door fixed. A broken garage door can wreak havoc in your life and can prevent you from using your car. Additionally, remember that a garage door acts as the face of your home, and you definitely don’t want a broken face.

Getting professional garage door repair Goldsboro NC or garage door repair Fayetteville NC services is paramount if you want to ensure you’ll be able to use your vehicle at all times and you want to gain the peace of mind that your neighbors won’t judge you because of a broken garage door.

So why is your garage door important in 2020? First and foremost, the garage door preserves the curb appeal of your home and enables you to send a clear message, that you are a hard-working and diligent neighbor. A nice-looking garage door can go a long way by enabling you to stay in good terms with your neighbors.

Second, a repaired garage door can keep you and your vehicle safe. A broken door runs the risk of getting stuck, or worse, can break and hurt people and animals. You certainly don’t want to endanger the lives of the ones you hold most dear.

Third, garage door repair ensures proper insulation of your home. During winter storms or hail, a broken garage door can let all that snow or rain inside your garage and can ruin the items inside your garage. The total cost you might have to pay to fix the broken items can exceed the price you would have paid to get the door fixed.

Your garage door is crucial for your home safety in 2020. In order to avoid any of the above problems, we strongly recommend you to hire a professional garage door repair company based in Goldsboro or Fayetteville.

Defining CBD: The Truth About smokable Hemp Flower

There are many terms related to the consumption of marijuana today in the United States. THC and CBD are among those that might be confusing. We explain the difference for you, plus the pleasant benefits of organic CBD flower.

If you have heard the terms marijuana or cannabis, you probably find the terms CBD and Hemp familiar too. However, it might be difficult for the untrained individual to see the difference. The truth is, they are very different and the law of the United States recognizes it. You might be surprised that some parts of the Cannabis sativa plant are fully legal and also smokable. In addition, there are many expectable advantages that come when you buy hemp flowers. So far, however, terms like hemp and CBD have been mentioned with no explanation. Let’s break them down.

Before talking about the active molecules inside the consumable parts of the plant, it is important to know the differences between hemp and marijuana. According to the Congressional Research Service (CRS), both marijuana and hemp come from a plant known as Cannabis sativa. They differ, however, in their legal status, composition and the practices around their production and use. Marijuana is extracted from all the parts of the plant that have a high concentration of a molecule known as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects that make the plant so controversial. Still, it is not the only cannabinoid that Cannabis sativa contains. A cannabinoid is a molecule that acts directly on specific receptors of the brain. The effects vary and they are not always psychoactive. Along with its high concentrations of THC, marijuana is known to be composed by other 60 cannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD).

So far, marijuana does not appear so different from the hemp flower. The CRS actually says that they both contain THC, CBD, along with the other cannabinoids. So, what is the difference?

Well, if you are going to buy hemp flower, you can be sure that it will not make you high after smoking it. The reason is that the concentration of THC in hemp is really low (lower than 0.3% according to the CRS definition). So, hemp flower is considered important because of other non-psychoactive effects.

Unlike marijuana, hemp is used for the making of a wide range of products that go beyond consumable CBD. Food, personal care, and even fabric are only some of the examples. Smokable hemp flower is also becoming popular today, even though it is not psychoactive. As stated by Aaron Hammond in his book Medical Marijuana: The Basic Principles for Cannabis Medicine, CBD has been the main star in cannabis medical research, because of its known sedative action. It has also been related to the regulation of pain, body temperature and inflammation when used in low concentrations. Higher concentrations are known to enhance sleep, anxiety, appetite, among other effects.

Sounds amazing, doesn’t it? However, if you are planning to buy hemp flower, you should know that cannabis strains can be classified into three different types: indica, sativa and hybrid. Apart from their physical differences, Hammond states that they have different effects. Sativas are more active, while indicas are more relaxing. Hybrids are a mixture of both. The three types can be used for medical purposes.

Some companies like Naturolls Hemp produce organic CBD flowers farmed in different regions of the United States. With a fully legal commercialization, there are different tools that a client can use to know that the product they are buying is premium hemp flowers. One is the Clean Green certification, present in eight states today. It guarantees that the processor and handler of hemp flower is producing a quality product, that follows all the legal regulations, and respects the environmental demands that our present world requires for its care.

So, if you are planning to try an alternative to farmaceutic medicine for pain, stress, and anxiety, or maybe you are simply looking for something to help you regulate your mood, CBD may be a suitable option for you. Now you know that there is nothing wrong or illegal if you want to buy hemp flower. Just make sure to do it correctly.

Best winter tires for snow driving

With the worst of winter fast approaching, it’s high time to swap out your current tires for a winter set. Winter tires feature advanced tread designed to tackle heavier amounts of snow and keep you from needing a car accident attorney. These are the best on the market right now and they’re worth your consideration. 

Bridgestone Blizzak WS80

Both highly popular and effective, the Blizzak WS80 is available for everything from sedans to coupes and minivans. Their combination of lateral and circumferential grooves allows them to direct water and slush away from the point of contact, providing more grip in the winter. 

These tires also offer a hydrophilic coating in combination with microscopic bite particles, allowing water to more easily slide off the tire instead of trapping itself between you and the road. While these are the best winter tires out there, they also happen to be expensive. 

Michelin X-Ice Xi3

Another highly capable tire, the X-Ice Xi3 is another exceptional fit for smaller vehicles. Its low rolling resistance improves fuel economy, while the tire’s silica-based compound offers and independent shoulder. Intermediate tread blocks boast micro-pumps in varying Z-crosses that improve traction in the winter. 

The internal structure of the Xi3 features twin steel belts surrounded by tightly wound nylon, making sure these winter tires won’t sacrifice high-speed performance. With a special wear indicator included on the tire, you can rest easy during those snowy days. 

Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3

You can order the Sottozero 3 in standard or run-flat style. High density sipes are excellent for cold weather with minimal snow, improving braking distances, while the directional pattern and enlarged contact patch ensure safety in the snow itself. 

Arrow shaped center blocks combine with rounded shoulders to push water and slush out of the way of the contact point. While snow performance isn’t as strong as the two tires above, both cold weather and ice capabilities are superb. 

Firestone Winterforce 2

Firestone is a tried and trusted brand amongst consumers, and their Winterforce 2 is no exception. The tire comes with studded capabilities if your locality allows, and a five-year workmanship and materials warranty is something to boast about. 

Deep groves combine with wide lateral notches to channel slush, while wider shoulder add grip in standing water. Twin steel belts pair with polyester casing to improve ride quality as well as tire strength. With so much safety packed into one tire, you won’t have to worry about calling a personal injury lawyer this winter when you hit snow. 

Finding the Right Tire

These are just a few of the best tires on the market for winter driving. Goodyear, Yokohama, and Dunlop all produce quality models as well. Just make sure the tire features enough tread to handle snow, grooves to move slush out of the way, and wider shoulder to provide the extra grip you need this time of year.

When in doubt, talk with your local tire shop about what options would work best with your vehicle. A better fit means a longer wear and more safety for you as well as your passengers.